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Creative Sparks

WELCOME:The “Creative Sparks Web Site” displays what happens in the minds, feelings and lives of people with a medical condition that is too often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. If a "picture speaks a thousand words" then hopefully this site will bring about a better understanding of epilepsy and the people behind the art.

ARTISTS LIVING WITH EPILEPSY:This web site serves as an affirmation of the positive accomplishments and artistic talents of people with epilepsy. Artists living with epilepsy offer valuable insights into the nature of seizures and the life changes that come about from epilepsy. Adult artists with epilepsy are continually invited to submit their artworks for future art exhibitions both on-line and in-person.

RESEARCH:The “Creative Sparks Web Site” evolved from a study called “Sparks of Creativity: The Influences of Epilepsy in Visual Art.” The research has received conditional approval. Positive Quotes from the reviewers can be read on the New Creative Sparks Research Blog.

The study results were announced at the Asian Oceanian Epilepsy Congress in October of 2010 and at the International Epilepsy Congress in Rome in August 2011. Further presentations and publications will be presented in 2014 and onward.

FAMOUS ARTISTS WITH EPILEPSY: Some of the world’s most famous artists like Michelangelo, Lewis Carroll, Vincent van Gogh and Giorgio de Chirico may have had epilepsy. The purpose of the project is not to contend who had epilepsy, but to provide an evidence-based foundation for that assessment. Click the “Famous Artists” thumbnail at the left to view a comparison gallery of some of the great artists who may have had epilepsy.ABOUT EPILEPSY: A fundamental purpose of this web site is to improve the understanding of epilepsy and how it effects people’s visual art and lives. Please see the video from Epilpesy.com on the right hand side titled “Ten Truths about Epilepsy.”

SPONSORS: This is a joint venture of the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria (EFV), St. Vincent’s Health and the University of Melbourne. The Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria is a member of Epilepsy Australia, which is the national coalition of Australian Epilepsy Associations.

This website is part of the academic and medical research of Jim Chambliss, et al. The associated research has been presented in national and international conferences and written in various publications. The conclusions and artwork posted on this site are intellectual work product and should be cited in any article that has reviewed the website as part of any research publication. No artwork of a participating artist can be copied or published without the artists written consent. Please see the "Publications Page" for more information.